Vigil honors, remembers student

Members of the West Virginia University chapter of the Delta Gamma sorority hosted a candlelight vigil Friday to honor the life of Sarah Graham.

Graham, 21, of Frederick, Md., passed away Feb. 13 in a vehicle crash along I-79.

Just before the Marianna exit in Amwell, Pa., the driver of the vehicle, WVU nursing student Emily Benford, lost control and hit a guardrail before a tractor trailer collided with the stationary vehicle.

The vigil brought together hundreds of members of the WVU community, including students and members of the Greek community.

Circled around the Delta Gamma anchor in front of the sorority house, family and friends honored Graham by sharing memories and reading Bible verses.

Chris Hackett, a sophomore and Theta Chi brother, was Sarah’s little brother in the fraternity.

"Sarah was the type of person who would always be there for you, no matter what. She was one of the sweetest girls I’ve ever met," Hackett said. "She was always happy and smiling. Sarah lit up any room with her charm and glowing personality; she was a great friend and even better person."

Members of the Greek community said hosting a vigil was an important way to honor Graham’s life and bring members of the WVU community together.

Beta Theta Pi brother Logan Howser said he felt it was important to set aside differences within Greek life to come together for a common cause.

"Regardless of the segregation between Greek life, what matters most at the end of the day is that we have to come together and support our community," he said.

Hackett said the overwhelming amount of people who attended the vigil was also a reminder of how
valued Graham was on WVU’s campus.

"The vigil was important because it was a chance for Greek life to show our love and support for Sarah’s family. It showed how much Sarah was loved and appreciated around WVU," he said.

Many students in attendance said they felt Graham made a significant impact on other people’s lives, and the vigil reminded them just how precious life is.

Kayla Lipscomb, a friend of Graham’s, said knowing something as tragic as this could happen to anyone makes her cherish each person she has built a relationship with.

"Sarah was one of the most outgoing, fun-to-be around, easy-going girls that I have ever met. It was important for me to attend because I wanted to show my respect and honor Sarah’s life," Lipscomb said. "Sarah will never be forgotten and forever will be missed. She’s in all of our hearts."

Graham’s family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Md.

Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 West Second Street, Frederick, Md., with the Rev. Kenneth R. Dunnington and Rev. Harry C. Cole officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church or to the Frederick County Humane Society, 217 W. Patrick St., Frederick, Md. 21701.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.